Do It Yourself Weddings

Make Your Wedding Unique -- and Save Money!

Clever brides have been putting together gorgeous, handcrafted wedding materials for decades. However, in today's world, probably the most important reason to consider using a DIY approach is budget. Rather than the average $25,000 to $27,000 price tag, your costs will be a fraction of that. Why not do-it-yourself and funnel your savings into paying for your dream honeymoon or making a down payment on your first home?

Wedding Invitations

For the ultimate DIY wedding, start at the beginning. Create your own wedding invitations using one of the templates from The Printable Wedding. Simply choose the design you like, then click on the teal "Personalize Now!" button to add your details and download a PDF file.

It is recommended that you use at least 80 lb. cardstock for your invitations, although 110 lb. cardstock is preferable if your budget allows it. Linen-textured cardstock with a woven surface is a classic choice, but it's not the only option. Use kraft cardstock or brown recycled paper for rustic weddings. Shiny or metallic papers are a good choice for a wedding with a more modern feel, although these papers will cost a bit more.

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs are just as easy to make as your wedding invitations, but provide even more opportunities to be creative. For example:

Punch a hole in the top of your program and add a ribbon bow.

Use tiny self-adhesive rhinestones to add a bit of sparkle to the flourishes or monogram graphics in your wedding program.

Print program information on white vellum, then layer it over a patterned background.

Turn your wedding program into a fan to keep your guests cool by printing your program on sturdy cardstock and using double sided tape to secure the two sides around a wooden fan handle.

DIY Guestbook

Instead of purchasing a guestbook for your wedding, make your own by printing out several sheets of the wedding background of your choice. Have your guests write their personal messages on the papers, using metallic gel pens if you've selected a dark background. After the wedding, slip the sheets inside an 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook album for an instant keepsake.

Informational Signs

Use wedding clip art to design signs and labels to share important details with your guests. For example:

Table numbers

Reserved seating signs

Direction signs pointing out the location of the restrooms or parking area

The hashtag you want guests to use when sharing their photos on social media

A "thank you for coming" sign inviting guests to pick up a wedding favor before they leave

Frame signs using inexpensive dollar store frames jazzed up with a fresh coat of white or metallic spray paint.

Wedding PowerPoint

At the reception, show off your favorite photos during a special wedding PowerPoint presentation. The Printable Wedding has PowerPoint templates that are designed to coordinate with your invitations, programs, and other wedding elements for a cohesive look.

Your presentation can include:

Photos of you as a child

Photos of the groom as a child

Photos of the two of you as a couple

Photos of the two of you with any special family members or honored friends who have passed away or can't make it to the big day

Favorite quotes or song lyrics that describe your relationship

Fun trivia about the two of you as a couple, such as where you want for your first date or how he popped the question

More Fun Ways to Customize Your Wedding

Although it's best not to overwhelm yourself with too many DIY wedding projects, experienced crafters may want to create a custom wedding look from start to finish. Here are a few more fun ideas for adding a personal touch to your wedding:

DIY Wedding Jewelry: All Free Jewelry Making has several excellent tutorials to help you make your own bracelets, necklaces, and earrings for your big day. These would also make lovely gifts for your bridesmaids.

Handmade Wedding Veil: If you are comfortable sewing, the DIY Network has a slideshow demonstrating how to inexpensively create your own wedding veil.

Origami Wedding Bouquet: If you're looking for a unique alternative to fresh flowers. Capital Romance has an easy to follow tutorial showing you how to make a bouquet of paper kusudama flowers.

Hanging Mason Jar Lanterns: For an outdoor wedding, the lanterns from Bespangled Jewelry are a clever way to add romantic mood lighting.

Making Special Memories

Your wedding day is sure to be an occasion to remember, but don't overlook the opportunity that wedding planning brings to create special memories. If you need help with your DIY projects, invite your craftiest friends and family members over for a fun-filled girl's night. Put on some music, set out some snacks, and enjoy catching up with each other as you get work together to get ready for your special day.

ABOUT US

The Printable Wedding is a DIY stationery site where you can personalize, download and print professionally designed templates for your wedding invitations, programs and more.